Snow falls and sticks to tree branches, Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2018, at the Capitol in Olympia, Wash. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning from the Portland, Ore., metro area north into Southwest Washington, with potential snow accumulations of 3 to 8 inches. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

Snow falls and sticks to tree branches, Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2018, at the Capitol in Olympia, Wash. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning from the Portland, Ore., metro area north into Southwest Washington, with potential snow accumulations of 3 to 8 inches. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

A pedestrian walks past a fountain on the Capitol campus, Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2018, Olympia, Wash. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning from the Portland, Ore., metro area north into Southwest Washington, with potential snow accumulations of 3 to 8 inches. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

The Latest: Snow cancels school Washington, Oregon

Feb. 21, 2018

Some school districts have announced delays or closures after a storm brought snow to parts of Washington and Oregon.

The Vancouver School District canceled classes for Wednesday, and several others in southwest Washington were on two-hour delays. The National Weather Service said more than 3 inches of snow fell in the area.

In the Portland area snow fell at up to 2 inches per hour Tuesday night, and there were some crashes on slick roadways.

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3:30 p.m.

Light snow has started to swirl in downtown Portland just ahead of the evening commute.

National Weather Service meteorologists said Tuesday they anticipate 2-to-4 inches of snow falling in Oregon's largest city, mostly between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Earlier projections called for up to 8 inches in an area from Portland to Kelso, Washington.

The weather service says the central and southern Willamette Valley will likely see a few inches of snow, with the highest totals in the hills. The precipitation won't arrive until after the sun goes down.

Snow arrived earlier in Washington state, where about 3 inches fell in Battle Ground, and in the state capital of Olympia.

Snow fell steadily throughout the day in the state capital of Olympia, though the fat snowflakes that fell for much of the day ultimately tapered to smaller snowflakes in late afternoon, though still falling at a steady rate.

Yellow caution signs were spotted on outdoor stairs and other spots around the busy Capitol Tuesday, which is in the midst of a 60-day legislative session.

Schools throughout the region let kids go home early and many nighttime activities and events have been canceled.

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8:30 a.m.

Light snow began falling before the morning commute in the Portland metropolitan area, a preview of the heavier precipitation that's expected during the drive home from work and into the evening.

The National Weather Service says a winter storm warning is in effect from the Portland metro area north into Southwest Washington, with potential snow accumulations of 3 to 8 inches.

Snow is also projected to fall in Salem, Corvallis and other parts of Oregon, with the weather service warning that the Interstate 5 passes between Roseburg and Grants Pass could be treacherous.

Those who must drive are advised to slow down, carry tire chains and wear warm clothes.

Portland Community College canceled classes Tuesday and some school districts did the same.